A common question we receive is: What is a school-based health center?

Good question!

In New Mexico there are more than 70 school-based health centers (SBHCs), which provide quality health services to students where the students are — in school. These centers are an important safety net in New Mexico, providing easily accessible health care when, in many cases, the closest clinic or hospital may be miles away.

1. SBHCs provide basic, quality health care services such as: immunizations; asthma and diabetes management; nutrition advice; and behavioral health services, such as grief therapy, help with peer pressure and bullying, and suicide prevention.
2. SBHCs make sure students who don’t get medical treatment anywhere else can receive it at school.
3. SBHCs give students medical attention when they need it, catching problems like asthma and diabetes early and preventing bigger problems later.
4. Most importantly, SBHCs keep students healthy and in class so they can learn what they need to know to succeed in life.

The relationship between school-based health care and outcomes related to academic success is discussed in a white paper published by the National Assembly of School-Based Health Care. This white paper provides guidance to those currently working with SBHCs, including staff, researchers, evaluators, advocates, and their educational partners on strategies to document and enhance the collaboration between SBHCs and educators to improve student success and sustain the viability of the SBHC initiative.